Claridge’s Cocktail Book: A Guide to Iconic Drinks
Claridge’s is renowned for its iconic cocktails, and now, thanks to the hotel’s cocktail book, you can bring a touch of luxury into your own home. The Claridge’s Cocktail Book offers a curated selection of recipes that reflect the hotel’s rich history and sophisticated taste.
The book offers a range of drinks, from timeless classics to innovative creations, perfect for any occasion. It’s designed to inspire home bartenders and elevate their cocktail skills.
Recreate Claridge’s Signature Cocktails at Home
These signature drinks from Claridge’s cocktail collection are simple to recreate, even in the comfort of your own home:
The Iconic Claridge’s Martini
Claridge’s puts its own twist on the traditional martini with this luxurious recipe. Here’s how to make your own:
- Ingredients: 2 oz gin, 1/2 oz dry vermouth, lemon twist or olive (optional).
- Instructions: Stir gin and vermouth with ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a twist of lemon or an olive. Serve and enjoy!
The Claridge’s Old Fashioned
A drink with elegance and simplicity, perfect for any classic cocktail lover:
- Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey, 1 sugar cube, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, orange peel.
- Instructions: Muddle the sugar and bitters in a rocks glass, then add ice and pour in the whiskey. Stir gently and garnish with a twist of orange peel. Enjoy the smooth, rich flavors.
The Bold Fumoir Negroni
A refined twist on the traditional Negroni, perfect for those who like bold flavors:
- Ingredients: 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth, orange twist for garnish.
- Instructions: Stir the gin, Campari, and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with the orange twist for a fragrant finish.
Tips for Sourcing Ingredients
To truly capture the essence of Claridge’s cocktails, sourcing the right ingredients is key. Here are a few tips for ensuring your drinks are as close to the original as possible:
- Use High-Quality Spirits: Opt for premium brands of gin, whiskey, and vermouth to get that signature smoothness and depth of flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: For garnishes like citrus or herbs, always use fresh ingredients to bring out the best flavor.
- Specialty Items: Some recipes, like the Fumoir Negroni, call for unique vermouths or bitters, which can be found at specialty liquor shops or online retailers.
When you carefully choose your ingredients, you’ll be able to replicate the elegance of Claridge’s drinks in your own home.
How to Pair Claridge’s Cocktails with Different Occasions
The cocktails from Claridge’s are meant to elevate any occasion. Here’s how to choose the right cocktail for every event:
- The Claridge’s Martini: Ideal for sophisticated dinner parties or evening cocktails with friends. Its crisp and refreshing taste makes it perfect for special occasions.
- The Old Fashioned: A timeless drink for cozy evenings, intimate gatherings, or celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.
- The Fumoir Negroni: Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or as an aperitif at cocktail receptions, where the bold flavors can stimulate the palate before a meal.
By pairing the right cocktail with the right occasion, you can ensure that every event feels special.
